New Delhi: Dark denim enters wardrobes with a promise of style, strength and confidence. But within a few ordinary washes, the rich blue shade starts to disappear. The knees begin to look dusty. The seat grows lighter. The fabric loses that sharp look that once made the jeans feel brand new. The fading seems like a mystery because most people wear and wash them normally and never expect such a fast transformation.

Laundry specialists say the reason hides in the fabric itself. Indigo dye rests on the surface of cotton threads instead of sinking deep inside. This shallow hold gives denim its striking look, but it also leaves the colour vulnerable. Warm water opens the fibres. Strong detergent pushes the dye loose. Long spin cycles rub the cloth against itself. Slowly and silently, the dye

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